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1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011 2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260 3. Include the length when necessary. Example: 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 4. Do not post your email address anywhere on this site as it is already in your user profile.
What a great service from our USCG Auxiliary personnel. I went to the website, took the virtual test so that I was sure I had everything. Then I was directed to I want a VSC. There you put in your zip code and it lists the nearest inspectors. From that list you choose one and send them an email. I was called back within a couple of hours and scheduled for an inspection at my home the following day. I passed the test. However, I did learn something new. In the state of California you are required to carry an accident report form on your vessel. Everything else was okay, pdf(s), lights, flares, horn, electrical system, fuel system, etc. My examiner had spare accident report forms on him so he gave me one and then passed the vessel. The gentleman was very professional and a pleasure to work with. The best thing about this free service is he came to my house and did a through inspection with no chance for a citation. If my inspection had taken place on the water by the real USCG and not the auxiliary then any infractions of the rules could draw a citation. I think this is a great service the USCG Auxiliary performs.
By the way I updated my personal page today also. Added a few before and after pics of my conversion/restoration from an abused 1973 Currituck to a sharp looking 1973 Montauk.
IT'S FREE ! The USCG Aux. only checks your safety equipment, no tickets, no violations, and no information is ever passed on to any law enforcement agency about you, or your boat. If you don't pass inspection because, of an infraction (example: Flares are out of date), the USCG aux. will return in a day or two to re-inspect (giving you time to run to the marine store for flares), and then issue you a "Passed" decal when the infraction is corrected. They are friendly, they want you to "Pass", and they want you to be "SAFE" on the water by having all of your safety equipment on board, it used to be called a "Courtesy Check". I was missing a manual dewatering device during my VSC inspection and the inspector said that my battery box cover would qualify as "that", so my boat "Passed", he also grinned and then said "I know it's a Whaler and it can't sink".
I am a Vessel Safety Check person. And yes we do make house calls. If anyone in the Jax Fl area might like one, let me know.
sumar@mailbug.com
The VSC is also an information exchange, local boating area tips etc etc.
The local USCG here in Jax see a boat with a VSC decal, they will not do a complete exam. They may do an abbreviated one is something is obvious, but they respect the decal.
Something free from the government! Take advantge of it.
